The Board of Directors of IPEI announced that Steven Manley is its new executive director. He brings classroom teaching experience, dynamic leadership, team-building expertise, and a keen understanding of IPEI's impact.

"We are thrilled to have someone with Steve's combination of experiences and level of commitment to educational outcomes join our organization," said IPEI Board President Matthew Braun. "He is an innovative educator who has developed connections with community partners to enhance his students' learning experiences."

"I believe in the power of education to connect students to their community, and that's exactly the foundation of IPEI's mission," expressed Manley. "As a teacher, I have witnessed that the strength of the school is linked to the strength of its community connections."

During his dozen years of experience teaching in the Washington, DC, area, Manley was a department chair and a team leader for various school-based PLCs (professional learning communities). In addition, he had management experiences with the Junior National Young Leaders Conference and Rodney Boy Scout Reservation. Manley has a B.S. in Secondary Education: Social Studies from Mount St. Mary's College in Maryland, and a M.A. in Educational Administration from George Washington University.

Manley stated, "My first priority is to meet as many stakeholders across the Ithaca City School District and the community as possible, and to encourage more volunteers and supporters to become involved with IPEI."

According to Braun, "Steve's leadership in school settings and management of youth-serving organizations impressed us. We are confident he will apply this background to IPEI's mission connecting the district with the local community to enhance the education of every student."

Manley succeeds Christine Sanchirico who is stepping down after three years as IPEI's first executive director. He will be relocating to Ithaca with his wife, Aubryn Sidle, and their two children.

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